It was another successful Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walk with 136 people taking advantage of a beautiful fall evening to learn more about community history at the 3rd annual event. The walk was in one of DuBois’ most historic areas, the Penn State DuBois Campus and its neighborhood. Penn State DuBois, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2010, is located on what was originally the property of City of DuBois patriarch John DuBois.

While on the walk participants encountered “Spirits” of DuBois history. The met with the Penn State Nittany Lion performed by Eddie Smith, a junior at Penn State DuBois, and a hunter from the wilderness period, Todd Shindledecker, who served as the Lion’s translator; Rev. J. V. Bell, performed by Tom Shade, who delivered part of the eulogy presented at the funeral of John DuBois; John E. DuBois, performed by Tom Rubritz, and Willie Gamble DuBois, performed by Carolyn Rhoades; the DuBois family’s French governess, performed by Karina Smith; DuBois family jobber, Joseph Lines, performed by Greg Weible; young Civilian Conservation Corps member Lou Adams, performed by DuBois High School senior Hunter Pataski; young Tom Mix, performed by Caleb Thompson; and Dr. Edwin Zoller, Penn State DuBois’ first chancellor performed by Tharren Thompson.

In addition to learning more about DuBois area history, some other more obvious information was gained by the participants.

Following one of Smith’s presentation as the French Governess, during which she mixed in French with English, the following “really” conversations were overheard:

“Who was that?” was the question concerning Smith’s real identity.

“A retired school teacher.”

“What did she teach?”

“French.”

At the pillars at the edge of campus, which mark the entrance to the former DuBois Mansion, Rhoades and Rubritz, performing as John E. and Willie Gamble DuBois had some Penn State DuBois Campus students, who were unaware of the activity, have this conversation.

Student, “Who are you?”

Rhoades, never leaving character,“I’m Willie Gamble DuBois.”

Student, in astonishment, “Really!”

All of the parts were based on historical people from DuBois’ past. The script and narration was researched and written by: Gene Aravich, Gretchen Clark, Galen Kilmer, Beecher Klingensmith, Tom Schott, Virginia Schott, and Todd Thompson.

“The DuBois Area Historical Society is very pleased with the support this event received from the community,” said Lantern Walk committee chair, Tom Schott. “Over 450 people have attended the first three Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walks. The Society also appreciates the support of Penn State DuBois Chancellor Anita McDonald, public information officer Steve Harmic, and the custodial staff for their cooperation in making this event a success.”